7 Questions to Introduce Yourself to Yoga’s History and Concepts
Yoga is a collection of practices, ranging from the physical to the mental and spiritual. It has its origins in ancient India and has deep roots in the philosophical tradition of Hinduism.
The overarching goal of yoga is human progress and spiritual elevation.
In modern times, we can see yoga in many forms.
For some, it is a part of their exercise routine. For others, it is a tool to enhance productivity and concentration.
Those who want to relax (or even find inner peace) often think yoga is what can help them.
Regardless of its use, it can be fruitful for anyone interested in performing yoga to learn where this age-old discipline came from and understand its foundations. This article will help answer seven questions that will familiarize you with the history of yoga and its core ideas.
Let’s get started.
When was Yoga invented?
Scholars differ on the chronology of yoga’s origin.
The word yoga entered the recorded history of humanity about two millennia ago.
It was mentioned in the Rig Veda, one of the four sacred texts of Hinduism.
However, the practical existence of the discipline is most likely much older.
The idea of Yoga stretching much further back in time is part of yogic folklore.
According to the prominent modern yogi Sadhguru, the story of yoga began 15,000 years ago. It started with the Adiyogi (the first yogi) inspiring his first group of students.
The date for World Yoga Day (June 21 each year) commemorates that ancient beginning.
Where does Yoga come from?
There is no consensus on the exact birthplace of yoga. However, its ancient Indian roots are agreed upon. In folklore, yoga started in the Himalayas, where its first few students encountered its first teacher.
As time passed, yoga students, called Rishis (meaning mystic seers) and Brahmans (Hindu priests), developed the discipline and spread it. They recorded the beliefs and rituals of yoga in voluminous scriptures called Upanishads.
Later generations of yogis systematized the relatively unstructured works of the early teachers. Thus yoga took on a more accessible form for learners and practitioners alike.
Who invented Yoga?
If we go by the version of yoga’s creation accepted in the classical yogic tradition, Shiva (one of the principal deities in Hinduism) invented yoga. Hence, he is considered the First Teacher.
As the fable goes, a stranger appeared in the upper Himalayas one day. He had an impressive aura about him and intrigued the locals, who gathered around him. Expecting some words of wisdom or a miracle, they waited in anticipation.
But the man just sat still without uttering a word. After a while, most of the spectators became disinterested and fled. But seven men eventually recognized the miracle happening in front of their eyes.
They saw the Adiyogi sit there for months on end, defying basic human needs. He did not eat, nor did he have to answer nature’s call.
That group of seven became the Adiyogi’s disciples after a period of extensive trial and preparation. Called the Saptarishis (The Seven Sages), the disciples were enlightened in seven different ways. Each then traveled to seven other parts of the world to share his enlightenment.
Thus, the spread of yoga formally took off.
Why is there specific terminology?
Like any other discipline with a breadth of knowledge, yoga has its own set of terms and jargon. These recurring words have made their way to modern times through the teachings of generations of yoga masters.
The terms often have religious origins and are in the ancient language of Sanskrit.
In yoga classes, you are likely to encounter many Sanskrit words and may be required to learn and understand them.
Some of the most commonly used yoga terms are:
Asana
Asana means “seat” and is used to refer to yoga postures and positions.
Pranayama
Pranayama is translated to mean “to control the life force.” It is used to describe breathing techniques in which focusing on one’s breath in preparation for meditation is emphasized.
Ujjayi
Ujjayi is a form of Pranayama and means “to be victorious.” It refers to the deep inhalation and exhalation of air and is often called “ocean breath” due to its rhythm.
In this article you can learn all you need to know about it.
Vinyasa
Vinyasa means “to place.” It is a style of yoga that has a specific sequence of poses flowing one after the other.
Chakra
A very commonly used term, Chakra, means “wheel.” The term is linked to the seven energy centers of the body in the yogic tradition.
How many postures are there?
Classical yoga tradition recognizes 84 postures, a number considered sacred in several spiritual practices. However, there is a lack of consensus on an actual figure among teachers and practitioners.
Ancient Hindu scriptures indicate as many as 8.4 million postures, which are known only to Shiva. Modern masters such as Sri Dharma Mittra have cataloged over a thousand asanas.
So the range of possible postures is vast, and yogis continue to try and discover more of them.
What are mantras, and what is their role?
Mantras are recitations, verses, or sequences of words to focus the mind with repetition. These words can be spoken aloud or repeated in thought and aim at elevating concentration during meditation.
At a deeper level within the yogic tradition, it is believed that the universe is in a state of vibration. Mantras serve to unite human vibrations with those of the Divine. Their rhythm brings calm to those performing yoga, allowing them to overcome all forms of distraction.
The words spoken or thought in the mantras are usually the names of Hindu deities. People new to yoga are aided with symbols and stories to make the mantras more accessible.
Ultimately, mantras attempt to liberate the mind and to trigger the steadying and calming of the mind. They provide a way to practice mindfulness and focus on the present. Mantras help those who practice yoga return to their lives more centered and invigorated.
When did Yoga arrive in the West?
Yoga was formally introduced to a significant Western audience in 1893. This exhibition of the ancient discipline took place at the World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago.
The event was a specific version of the World’s Fair, commemorating the 400th anniversary of Christopher’s discovery of the New World.
Swami Vivekananda is credited with showcasing yoga to the Western world. He represented Hinduism at The World Parliament of Religions, which was part of the Columbian Exposition.
The occasion attracted a massive crowd of more than 150,000 people. Vivekananda delivered multiple speeches on Hinduism, which quickly became popular.
While Vivekananda’s main objective was to defend and spread his religion, he spoke about yoga as a phenomenon unique to Hinduism. He also demonstrated some yoga postures.
As a result, the Western public grew curious about this ancient discipline without parallel in any other religion. Shortly after that event, many other yoga teachers arrived in the West and continued to spread it.
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Conclusion
Yoga is widely known across the modern world. Every day, thousands of yoga classes take place around the globe.
While a large proportion of the world population is aware of the existence of yoga, most people are unfamiliar with the depth of its historical, religious, and cultural foundations. Yoga also has its specific jargon and core ideas.
After reading this article, we hope that you have gained a greater sense of appreciation for the tradition of yoga.